Odd Burger, a vegan fast food chain in Canada, has announced they will be franchising 36 new locations over the next seven years.

For menus, see https://oddburger.com/collections/menu/burgers

For other vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, go to
https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

The contents of this posting, our website, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal and Vegan Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

Nil Zacharias from Plantega

Every issue of Vegan Journal includes a column called Vegan Action. Lucia Rivera penned the most recent column with an interview of Nil Zacharias from Plantega. Plantega’s goal is to get vegan food sold in NYC bodegas (small stores in Spanish-speaking areas of the city).

Read the entire column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue1/2022_issue1_vegan_action.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Each issue of Vegan Journal (formerly Vegetarian Journal) includes reviews of recent scientific papers related to vegetarianism. In the latest issue, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, reviewed articles on Veganic Farming in the United States: A Snapshot, as well as Why Do Some College Students Choose Plant-Based Meats?

Read the column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue1/2022_issue1_scientific_update.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

In the latest issue of Vegan Journal (formerly Vegetarian Journal) Reed Mangels, PhD, RD answers a readers question about runner’s anemia. She wondered whether this is a real condition or whether the doctor was just concerned about her being vegan.

Read the column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue1/2022_issue1_nutrition_hotline.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Are you searching for vegan “fish” alternatives? If so, here’s a list of some products you might want to try out. Many of these items are now sold in stores and online.

BeLeaf Vegan Shrimp

Gardein Golden Frozen Fishless Filet

Gardein Mini Crispy Crabless Cakes

Good Catch Fish-Free Tuna Naked in Water

Good Catch Mediterranean Fish-Free Tuna   

Good Catch Olive Oil and Herbs Fish-Free Tuna

Loma Linda Tuno in Three Varieties

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegan Fish

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Golden Fish Fillet

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegan Crab Steak

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegan Salmon

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegan Scallops

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegan Shrimp Ball

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegan Tuna

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Squid

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegan Lobster

Lily’s Vegan Panty Vegan Red Spot Shrimp

Save da Sea Salmon and Tuna Salad

Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Shrimp

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Crab Cakes

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Fish Fillet

Sophie’s Kitchen Salmon Burgers

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Smoked Salmon

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Salt Toona

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Black Pepper Toona

Sophie’s Kitchen Whitefish Burgers

Chili Crackers and Creamy Chili Dip Photos by Linda Tyler

Linda Tyler’s article “Chili & Chill” in the latest issue of Vegan Journal serves up a wide variety of dishes including Chili Crackers; Creamy Chili Dip; Creamy Chili and Spaghetti Squash Casserole; Chili-Spiced Roasted Ratatouille; Go-To Vegan Chili; and Chili Cornbread Pie.

Find the article with recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue1/2022_issue1_chilly_and_chill.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

We received a question about vegan protein powders. “Someone I work with is trying to cut down on meat and is thinking of using vegan protein powders but heard about toxic levels of heavy metals In some products. Do you have any information on studies about this and what are your thoughts about consuming vegan protein powders?”

I am curious why your colleague feels the need to use a vegan protein powder. Most people can meet protein needs without the use of these products. Your colleague may want to calculate how much protein they need. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein for adults is 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. So, someone weighing 150 pounds would need about 54 grams of protein per day. The Vegetarian Resource Group has a helpful table of protein in vegan foods here (see Table 2). Since you mention that they are trying to cut down on meat, it could also be helpful for them to consider that an ounce of meat has about 7 grams of protein, a cup of cow’s milk has 8 grams of protein, and an egg has about 7 grams of protein. If they calculate how much protein they need and look at what they are eating, it’s likely that it will be apparent that protein powders are not necessary. Foods like beans, tofu and other soy products, quinoa, seitan, and nuts and seeds are especially good sources of vegan protein.

If someone is doing a lot of strength training or endurance exercise, they are likely to have higher protein needs. If that is the case for your colleague, they would calculate their protein needs using a factor of 0.55 grams to 0.9 grams of protein per pound of body weight rather than the 0.36 grams of protein per pound. In that case, someone weighing 150 pounds and doing a lot of strength training or endurance exercise would need about 82.5 to 135 grams of protein a day – still possible to get without protein powder, if higher protein foods are chosen.  In some cases, vegan protein powders may be helpful for athletes during intensive training periods.

Heavy metals are a group of metals that have toxic effects even from very small amounts. The ones that were tested for in protein powders were arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. These metals can have harmful effects on many body systems including the kidneys, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the immune system.

A study conducted by the Clean Label Project (a non-profit organization that has a certification program for products that meet their standards) examined heavy metal contamination in 135 protein powders, both vegan and non-vegan (1). They report that nearly 75% of products had measurable levels of lead and that nearly a third of products exceeded at least one federal or state regulatory level for heavy metals (1). Organic certification did not mean that products were not contaminated (1). Plant-protein based products, on average, had higher levels of contamination than products based on egg or whey protein (1). This study was not peer-reviewed.

The Clean Label Project report did not identify products by name.. According to an article in Consumer Reports, five products were identified as having the poorest overall score (2). The score was based on heavy metal content, pesticide content, other contaminants like BPA, and nutrition with heavy metals representing 60% of the overall score (2). Two vegan products were included on the list of products receiving the poorest overall score (2).

Researchers from a for-profit scientific consulting firm examined the Clean Label Project’s results along with an earlier study of non-vegan protein powders conducted by Consumer Reports and concluded that, “the typical intake of dietary supplements [protein powders] would not result in adverse health effects due to heavy metals” (3).  This study made some assumptions, including the serving size of the protein powders, that could have affected its results.

Based on the Clean Label Project study results, protein powders can be contaminated with heavy metals. It’s not certain whether or not the amounts found in products are associated with health risks. One consideration could be how frequently products are being used. If someone is using products several times daily, every day, the products’ heavy metal content would be more concerning than if someone uses a protein powder occasionally.  If consumers choose to use protein powders, they can contact individual companies to find out if their products are tested for heavy metal contamination and what their results are.

If you are thinking about using protein powders, consider whether or not you really need these products. It may be helpful to work with a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist to assess your protein needs and the amount of protein in your diet. If you do choose to use a protein powder, be a skeptical consumer and ask companies about their testing practices and results related to heavy metals.

References

1. Protein powder. Our point of view. Clean Label Project. https://cleanlabelproject.org/protein-powder-white-paper/ June, 2018.
2. Hirsch, J. Arsenic, lead found in popular protein supplements. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/dietary-supplements/heavy-metals-in-protein-supplements/ March, 2018.
3. Bandara SB, Towle KM, Monnot AD. A human health risk assessment of heavy metal ingestion among consumers of protein powder supplements. Toxicol Rep. 2020;7:1255-1262.

Brooke Edwards shares creative vegetable-based recipes that your entire family will enjoy. Try Cheezy Base (made out of sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and white potatoes) that can be modified into a Nacho Cheeze Sauce. Next, take the Cheezy Base and turn it into Broccoli-Cheddar Soup.

You can also prepare Broccomole Dip made primarily from broccoli and avocado. Or perhaps Kale Doughnuts will intrigue you. You’ll also find recipes for Pasta with Alfredo Sauce and Carrot-Apple Waffles.

Find the article with recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue1/2022_issue1_hidden_veggie_cooking.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Sweetfin restaurant in California said they have added these vegan items to their menu:

• Spicy Cucumber Salad (Vegan) – Ponzu lime dressing, chili flakes and crispy garlic.
• Citrus Kale Crunch Salad (Vegan) – Orange vinaigrette, avocado, carrots, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.
• Chile Ginger Forbidden Rice Noodles (Vegan) – Miso sesame sauce, pickled fresno chilis, pickled shiitake mushroom, mango, cilantro, carrots, napa cabbage and crispy garlic.
• Seaweed Salad (Vegan) – Wakame seaweed and sesame seeds.

Sweetfin locations. [  https://www.sweetfin.com/locations/ ]

For information on vegetarian and vegan restaurants around the U.S. and Canada, see
https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

For vegan bowl recipes, see https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue3/2020_issue3_bowled_over.php

The contents of this posting, our website, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal and Vegan Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

Photo from Nacho Mama

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide (Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

All Chay, 1264 W. 500 N., Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Spring rolls, veggie egg rolls, lemongrass tofu, ginger tofu, and other dishes are available on All Chay’s menu.

Beewali’s Vegan AF, 4862 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041

Enjoy curry fries, kabob wrap, falafel wrap, falafel burger, kaboburrito, Mediterranean burger, rice pudding, and other dishes.

Juice Junkies, 925 Foch St., Fort Worth, TX 76107 and 251 Town Center Ln., Ste. 2109, Keller, TX 76248

Juice Junkies serves healthy, tasty, and compassionate food such as carrot ginger soup, kelp noodles, cold buster, quinoa salad, and fresh juices.

Nacho Mama, Empire Outlets 4th Floor Marketplace, 1949 Richmond Ave., Store 7, Staten Island, NY 10314

Enjoy a Breakfast Burrito, Arepas, Enchiladas, Nachos, Tacos, Burritos, Churros, and much more.

Plant Power Fast Food, 776 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA 90038

Plant Power Fast Food is a vegan fast food joint. Try out a classic burger or one of their signature burgers including The Holy Guacamole. Also enjoy Buffalo Wings, Fiesta Salad, a ‘Chicken’ Wrap, and more. No matter your fast food craving, Plant Power Fast Food has a delicious veganized version of traditional fast food menu items.

Vegan Vibes Café & Juice Bar, 3426 Conrad St., Philadelphia, PA 19129

Enjoy a Vibes Cheese Burger, Philly Loaded Cheesesteak Vibes, Burrito Vibes, Kale Panini Wrap, Chana Masala, Spicy Tofu Pad Tai, and a variety of smoothies.

Wildseed, Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Enjoy dishes including Wild Mushroom Zeppole, Grilled Asparagus, the Harvest Bowl, Spicy Yellow Curry, Risotto Primavera, and several dessert options.